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Timecode Output

Preferences → Timecode → Output

Preferences → Timecode → Output: per-protocol toggles, destination, interface and sACN universe.

While a recording plays back, ShowRevue can send its timecode so a console or media server chases the rehearsal. Replay last night's run and the rig follows it. Playback only: nothing is ever sent while you're live or recording.

Enable it under Preferences → Timecode → Output. Three protocols, each with its own toggle, usable in any combination:

  • Art-Net. ArtTimeCode packets on UDP port 6454.
  • sACN (ETC timecode). UDP port 5568, on a universe you choose. It sends ETC's timecode packet format (standard E1.31 has no timecode), so the receiver has to read that format, as ETC consoles do.
  • MTC, virtual MIDI source "ShowRevue Timecode". Quarter-frame messages; any MIDI-capable app or console on the Mac can subscribe to it. Needs no network settings.

Where the packets go​

With Art-Net or sACN enabled:

  • Destination. Broadcast / Multicast reaches the whole LAN; Unicast to IP targets one device (an IP field appears).
  • Interface. Which NIC the packets leave on. Automatic (default route) suits a single-network Mac; on a rig with a separate lighting NIC, pick that interface so broadcast and multicast actually reach the console.
  • sACN universe. Match the receiver (1–63999).

Rate and drop-frame​

Output runs at the recording's own rate: 24, 25, 29.97 drop-frame, or 30 fps. Each recording stores its real timecode rate and drop-frame flag at record time, and output follows it. A 29.97DF recording chases as 29.97DF, whatever your preferences say today. Any other rate pauses output with a note in the preferences tab.

Behaviour during playback​

Output starts with playback, tracks the playhead through seeks (a jump re-locks the receiver with a full-frame message), and stops on pause. A held-but-ticking timecode reads to a console as "show still rolling", so nothing is sent while the transport is stopped or scrubbing.

Output only runs while the playhead is inside a recorded timecode block. Two frames after the playhead leaves a block (into a gap where the take had no timecode) output stops, and it starts again on the next block. The console never chases timecode the take didn't have.

While output is sending, ShowRevue's own network timecode inputs pause, so its Art-Net input doesn't hear its own packets, and resume afterwards.

The card header shows a green SENDING dot while emitting, or Waiting for playback… when enabled but idle.

LTC out​

There's no LTC generator. To send LTC, route the recorded LTC track to an audio output in Preferences → Audio → Audio Outputs and patch that output to whatever reads LTC. It plays the timecode exactly as it was recorded. LTC out on audio needs Base or above.

Network timecode output (Art-Net, sACN, MTC) needs Professional or above, like the network timecode inputs.

Validate against your gear

Packet formats are unit-tested and self-received by ShowRevue's own Art-Net / sACN inputs, but chase conformance against physical consoles is still being validated across vendors. Test your chase in the venue before relying on it in a session.